Martin St-Louis Responds to Patrik Laine's Jab at Him, Hints at a Change Coming
At a press conference yesterday, Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St-Louis was asked about the little jab Patrik Laine took at him.
For those who are not familiar with the story, let's recall that at the very beginning of the Four Nations Tournament, during a media availability, Laine stated that it would be nice for him to play "more than 10 or 11 minutes a night," referring to his limited ice time in recent weeks under Martin St-Louis.
He later admitted that he had also made mistakes, but it was clear the damage had already been done.
In short, back in front of reporters for the first time yesterday, the Canadiens' head coach was asked about the situation and, surprisingly, chose to respond.
Martin St-Louis responds to Patrik Laine's comments
Yes, he heard the comments from his Finnish forward.
My job is to push Patty."
- Martin St-Louis, who also mentioned that there will be a major shift in mentality for the second half of the season.
Players will truly have to earn their ice time, and that's a good thing.
I wonder if there will be a small meeting, or at least a discussion, between Laine and St-Louis on this matter.
During the Four Nations Showdown, Laine finished the tournament with three points in three games, after recording 18 points in 28 games this season with the Canadiens.
Hopefully, he can have a strong finish to the season in Montreal.
![Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada goalie Jordan Binnington (50) during the second period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team Finland at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530730.webp "Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada goalie Jordan Binnington (50) during the second period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team Finland at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images")
![Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team United States at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530555.webp "Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team United States at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images")
![Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates with his teammates his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530529.webp "Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates with his teammates his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
